2 year old starting full day Montessori, what do we need to do to get ready?

[Anonymous]

My 26 month old son starts a toddler Montessori program in a few weeks. He will be there 6 hours a day. He's been at home with a grandparent until now. I have heard that Montessori requires kids to be more independent than play based programs, so I am wondering what I need to do to get him ready. Can you help?

Potty training

He's in underwear at home, and if we go places close by, and stays dry, but I put him in a pull up if we're going to be in the car along time, or certainly on a plane. I'm not sure he'll tell teachers in a new place when he has to go. Should I put a pull up on him in case? What about naps, will they put one on him for nap? Would it be easier if I sent diapers for nap so they don't have to take his pants and shoes off? What do other people do in this situation?

Lunch

He has a lunch box which he LOVES. I told him it's for school, he can't use it till he goes, thinking it would make him excited, but someone told me he needs to "practice". Do they expect 2 year olds to be able to handle it independently?

Are there things, besides chokeable things, that I shouldn't send? Are things that need a fork or spoon OK? Should I avoid messy things like yogurt or dip (child loves dipping things) or is that something that's OK?

nap

What do I send for the cot?

Clothing

What do your kids wear to school? Any suggestions?

What else am I missing?

Sorry to ask so many questions!

[Anonymous]

Toddler Montessori does not require potty training. They will help your kid at school to learn. Talk to the guides about what to send your child with. He will probably use underwear for class time and a pull-up for naps. But ask them.

Child should have a lunch they can independently handle but kids need assistance from time to time and that’s fine. Send what your kid likes. No special rules. Not junk food ideally.

Ask the school what is needed at nap time. School usually provides the cots or mats.

I found leggings and t-shirts were reliable for my girl. Whatever the equivalent for boys is.

[Anonymous]

I know he doesn't have to be toilet trained. It just happens that he is, except when he is sleeping and things like airplane trips.

[Anonymous]

They will probably forget to out him on the potty anyway, so I would just send him in pull ups. 2 yr old cannot handle their lunchboxes yet and usually teachers open it for them and warm up food in the microwave, so make sure your food is in microwavable containers. Send his own blanket to make him more comfy, and a cuddle toy if he uses one at home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They will probably forget to out him on the potty anyway, so I would just send him in pull ups. 2 yr old cannot handle their lunchboxes yet and usually teachers open it for them and warm up food in the microwave, so make sure your food is in microwavable containers. Send his own blanket to make him more comfy, and a cuddle toy if he uses one at home.

I was just going to send cold food in the bento box. I don’t think it microwaveable.

[Anonymous]

Ask the teachers.

[Anonymous]

If he’s toilet trained don’t put him back in pull ups. Just sent a couple of spare outfits in with him just in case.

[Anonymous]

I would expect the school or your child’s teacher to provide a daily supply list and other guidance to help prepare you. Does the program have a parent handbook or orientation sessions for new parents?

[Anonymous]

The looser the clothing the better for toddlers learning to potty train at Montessori. Putting them in clothes they can easily pull up and down themselves as this will be something any solid Montessori school will be constantly working on with the child. Children are beginning to do for themselves, but are not left to their own devices. They are being given 'lessons' so all the guides ask is that you partner with them on that journey. That starts by asking them how they would like the child to come dressed to school (pull up or training underwear), what type of lunchbox they can manage themselves, and what the sleeping arrangements are.

[Anonymous]

Elastic waistband bottoms are best. No snaps/buttons/zippers. Is it a mixed age toddler classroom? If so older kids will also be in underwear and they will have a schedule to be sure to have the kids try and use the toilet. But also send a few changes of clothes since accidents do happen.

Praciting with the lunchbox is a good idea. Many 2 yr olds can do the simple snaps that many bento-style boxes have.

The teachers can tell you if you need to send anything for naptime. Every school is different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ask the teachers.

+1

[Anonymous]

Lunch - your son should practice so that he can open the lunch box and the food containers in his lunch. As long as he can do it most of the time, that's fine. If he needs occasional help, they will help, but typically there are two teachers helping 15-20 students, so the kids need to be primarily independent on opening their lunch. If there is a container that he cannot open without assistance, don't send it. If it is one that he can open most times, but sometimes needs help, that works.

Cots - you need to ask the school. In one school we were at, they expected the parents to provide a light blanket. At another one we were at, they said no blankets.

Clothes - depends on the school. The Montessori pre-K we went to had uniforms. The kids had to wear khaki pants/shorts (girls could wear pants, shorts or skirts) and then the logo golf shirt. We had to order the shirts from Lands End with the school logo embroidered on. But that varies from school to school, so you need to ask the school where your child will be attending.

[Anonymous]

Lol montessori. Just teach good manners to kids

Ask them what you need to bring